OUR MOST AFFORDABLE SELF-CONTAINED CAMPERVAN
The Original is a trusty 1.8L petrol Mazda Bongo (2011 or newer) that’s fitted out with everything you need for a New Zealand road trip for couples or two friends who are happy to get cosy.
A double bed to crash in after a big day, a fridge that keeps the beers cold, a pull-out kitchen to whip up dinner, and a cassette toilet so you can freedom camp. (The Original is certified self-contained under NZ’s current self-containment regulations).
The Original doesn’t have the extra touches of our newer vans. If you’re happy with the essentials, the Original is your trusty wagon.
If those comforts matter:
Choose the Duo for a newer vehicle with a high-quality 2025 fit out, including blackout curtains, dimmable LEDs, a solar roof fan, CarPlay, and more.
Upgrade to the Plus for 3 seats, more living space, a huge 2.1M doubled bed, indoor cooking, more storage, solar power, and parking sensors.
Scroll for more details.
FEATURES
We’ve carefully crafted every inch of the interior to give you maximum comfort when you’re on the road exploring epic New Zealand.
CERTIFIED SELF-CONTAINED FOR FREEDOM CAMPING
The EPIC Original meets the latest 2025 requirements for self-containment and freedom camping in New Zealand.
LARGE DOUBLE BED (OR TWO COMFY BENCH SEATS)
Super comfy with a thick foam mattress (2m x 1.45m).
12V DUAL BATTERY SYSTEM (70AH LEISURE BATTERY)
This recharges when you drive and gives you enough power for 2+ days in one place without driving.
21 LITRE COMPRESSOR FRIDGE (DOMETIC CFF)
This keeps your food and drinks cold even during hot NZ summer days.
FULLY EQUIPPED PULL-OUT KITCHEN (UNDER TAILGATE)
Including a quality single burner gas stove and all standard kitchen equipment.
HOSE TAP WITH ELECTRIC WATER PUMP
Pour a glass of water or rinse the sand off your feet before hopping back into the van.
25 LITRE FIXED FRESH AND GREY WATER TANKS
With professional plumbing and an easy fill-up and emptying system.
10 LITRE FIXED CASSETTE TOILET
Required for freedom camping and avoiding trips to the campsite loos!
INTERIOR SEATING OPTION WITH DINING TABLE
Letting you eat dinner inside if you prefer.
CONCEALED STORAGE
1 large and 1 small compartment under the bed, plus a pantry cupboard, with a 450L roof storage box option available too.
LED LIGHTING
So you can see what you're cooking or reading.
4X USB POWERPOINTS IN THE REAR AND CAB
So you can charge your phone and other devices.
STANDARD CURTAINS ALL ROUND
These custom-made curtains are super easy to open and close.
PRIVACY-TINTED WINDOWS ALL ROUND
Giving you added privacy and taking the edge off the NZ sun.
INSECT NETS FOR THE FRONT WINDOWS
Letting you stay cool at night without fear of mosquitoes (optional rear canopy tent is also fully netted).
STEREO WITH BLUETOOTH CAPABILITY
So you can connect your phone and listen to your favourite tunes
Self contained until 2028 under the new regulations.
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS
Our campers are reliable and super-easy to drive. We service them frequently and keep them in top condition. They'll cruise along doing 100 km/h easily and get you up steep hills with no trouble.
MODEL: Mazda Bongo (high-roofed model)
YEAR: 2011 on newer
FITOUT YEAR: 2018-20
MILEAGE: Max 375,000 kms (average 300,000)
SEATS: 2 x Seatbelts
ENGINE SIZE: 1.8 Litre
FUEL USAGE: +/- 10l / 100km
FUEL TYPE: Petrol Unleaded 91
TRANSMISSION: Automatic
AIRBAGS: Driver & Passenger
MOD CONS: Electric windows, aircon in cab
OTHER: ABS brakes, power steering
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS: L 4.4m, W 1.7m, H 1.99m, W 1600kg
INTERIOR HEIGHT: 1.38m
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Bed Linen, 2 x Pillows, Duvet, Fleece Blanket
2 x Bath Towels & Tea Towels
Cutlery, Plates & Bowls
Metal Tumblers & Glass Coffee Keep Cups
Non-stick Frying Pan & Saucepan
Standard Cooking Utensils
Pairing Knife & Chef’s Knife
Cloth, Dish Brush & Liquid
Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper
Chopping Board / Platter
Kettle & Coffee Plunger / Cafetiere
Collapsable Sink + Storage Crate
1 x Full Cooking Gas Cartridge
Phone Holder, USB charger
Insect Nets for Cab Windows
24/7 Roadside Assistance
2x Drivers
Unlimited Kilometres
All Toll Road Charges included free!
Save 10% on ferry crossings with Bluebridge
Camping Chair $1.5/day (max $15) (x2 Free with EPIC Cover)
Camping Table $3.5/day (max $35) (Free with EPIC Cover)
Rear Canopy Tent $12.5 / day (max $300)
12v-220v Mains Power Inverter $5 /day (max $75)
Solar Shower $10 total
Thick Winter Blanket + 2 x Hot Water Bottles ($35 Total)
Small Heater + Camping Power Lead ($50 total)
Snow Chains $50 total
Roof Bars (for surfboards / kayaks) $10 / day (max $200)
Roof Bars + 450L Roof Box Combo $15 / day (max $350)
*To add an optional extra to your quote, click the REQUEST BOOKING button within
your quote email and you’ll see extras under the booking details tab.
RECENT REVIEWS ON GOOGLE
FAQS
WHO IS THE ORIGINAL BEST FOR?
Travellers who want a simple, affordable, self-contained van that’s easy to drive and has the true essentials: comfy double bed, cold fridge, dual-battery power, pull-out kitchen, and a cassette toilet. If you value price and simplicity, and don’t mind a well-worn in campervan, this is your wagon.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I SHOULD UPGRADE TO THE DUO OR THE PLUS?
If you want a new van, more space, a larger bed, indoor cooking, blackout thermal curtains, CarPlay, a roof fan, solar, and extra storage, look at the upgrades:
The Duo (Nissan NV200 2021 or newer): compact, modern 2025 fitout, blackout curtains, solar roof fan, CarPlay, mains power inverter, clever swing-away table.
The Plus (Nissan NV350 2018 or newer): more space, large 2.1M double bed, modern 2023 or newer fitout, indoor cooking table, bigger toilet, drawers, 150W solar panel, parking sensors.
If you’re happy with the essentials, stick with The Original.
WHAT’S ACTUALLY INCLUDED IN THE ORIGINAL?
All the core comforts: double bed with bedding, 21L compressor fridge, dual-battery power, pull-out kitchen (single-burner stove and utensils), fresh and grey water tanks, hose tap, fixed cassette toilet, LED lighting, USB charging, curtains, tinted windows, and self-containment certification (meets the latest rules).
IS THE ORIGINAL SELF-CONTAINED UNDER THE 2025 RULES?
Yes — it’s certified self-contained under the latest regulations, with a fixed cassette toilet so you can freedom camp where permitted.
HOW LONG CAN I STAY OFF-GRID IN THE ORIGINAL?
Plan to drive every other day (at least 2–3 hrs) to keep the leisure battery topped up.
WHAT SETS EPIC APART FROM BIGGER RENTAL CAMPERVAN BRANDS?
We’re a small founder-run company, who pride ourselves on exceptional customer experience, backed up by our Google reviews. That means every van and every trip gets personal service via WhatsApp. Travellers often tell us our campers feel more like a well-designed tiny home than a rental.
Our vans are sleek and minimalist on the outside, without the gaudy branding you’ll see on bigger fleets. You won’t feel like you’re driving a billboard that screams “tourist”.
If anything comes up on the road, our team is just a WhatsApp message away.
EPIC Campers’ approach of thoughtful design, responsive service, and small-company care is what makes an EPIC trip feel different — and why so many of our travellers leave glowing reviews and say they are super happy they booked with us.
HOW DOES INSURANCE WORK WITH THE EPIC CAMPERS ORIGINAL?
Most travellers choose our EPIC Cover. It gives you $0 liability (also known as excess), requires no bond (deposit), and includes a free outdoor table and chairs. For The Original, EPIC Cover costs $25/day (driver age 26+) or $30/day (driver age 18–25). It’s the easiest, most stress-free way to hit the road knowing you’re fully covered.
If you’d like to compare all cover options (Basic, Mid and EPIC), see our Insurance page.
WHERE DO I PICK UP AND DROP OFF MY EPIC CAMPERS CAMPERVAN?
You can collect and return your campervan at our two depots:
Auckland: 52 Ascot Road, Mangere (just a 7-minute Uber/taxi from the airport terminal).
Christchurch: 186B Ohoka Road, Kaiapoi (around 15 minutes north by Uber / taxi from Christchurch Airport).
We’re open between 9am–5pm Monday to Friday, and 10am–4pm weekends and public holidays. The latest pick-up is 4pm (3pm on weekends and public holidays), and the latest drop-off is 3pm unless pre-arranged.
If your flight lands late or you need to drop off outside these hours, let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. You’re also welcome to leave your car or extra luggage at the depot while you’re travelling.
CAN I TAKE THE VAN ON THE FERRY BETWEEN THE NORTH AND SOUTH ISLANDS?
Absolutely. Book your ticket under car/van/ute <5.5m. We’ll give you a 10% Bluebridge ferries discount code after booking your camper.
IS THE ORIGINAL COMFORTABLE IN WINTER?
Yes, for North Island and coastal travel with the winter kit. For alpine South Island nights, bring warm layers and thermals. Consider including our small heater and camping power lead for $50, or look at the Plus model (insulated roof, blackout curtains, indoor table) for more winter comfort.
CAN THE ORIGINAL TAKE A CHILD SEAT?
The Original has 2 seatbelts in the cab, so it’s designed for two adults and can only take two people max (i.e one adult one child). You can bring a young child only if they are old enough for a front-facing car seat (2+ years), which can be fitted in the passenger seat. Rear-facing child seats are not permitted in The Original — if you need that option or space for a third passenger, check out The Plus model instead.
HOW DO EPIC CAMPERS’ CAMPERVANS FEEL TO DRIVE?
The Original is a Mazda Bongo, 2011 or newer. It drives more like a small van than a big motorhome, so you’ll have no trouble parking in towns, squeezing into DOC campsites, or cruising at highway speeds. The 1.8L petrol engine is reliable but a little slower going up steep hills than our other two newer camper models.
WHAT’S THE CAMPER PICK UP PROCESS LIKE?
We do a thorough walkthrough so you know how everything works, plus you’ll have WhatsApp support on the road. Customers love EPIC Campers for the clear, friendly, and fast communication from our team.
ANY FREEDOM-CAMPING TIPS?
Get the DOC Campsite Pass for great-value nature camps. Use dump stations (found in most towns and campsites) for grey/black water, follow local bylaws and signage, and use the CamperMate app to find sites, reviews, fuel, dump points, and taps. You’re self-contained, but please camp responsibly.
WHAT IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG?
Our vans are serviced regularly and breakdowns are rare, however you have our team on hand between 8am-8pm and 24/7 roadside assistance just a phone call away. If there’s a hiccup (stone chip, battery question, etc.), message us on WhatsApp and we’ll help you sort it quickly so you can get back to enjoying your trip.